Multiturn Electric Actuator “C” Series, Base Version

models 05C to 16C

Working principles and technical characteristics

General introduction At the reopening stage, the unseating When the resistant torque of the valve
Actuator and motorized valves torque may be higher than the torque drops, the actuator delivers constant
The basic function of an actuator is to necessary to close the valve; moreover, torque, generally named running
open or close a valve. Typical torque additional resistance due to jamming or torque. Examining the valve resisting
characteristics for linear valves are sticking after long idle periods, corrosion torque curve it is evident that the
shown in figures 1 and 2. or dirt give reason to this increased actuator nominal torque is required only
The dashed line represents the max effort. A high instant torque for the initial for a short time.
torque settable value. valve release is required to overcome the Motor design is based on the resisting
increased forces imposed on the valve: torque value acting during the total valve
after the first unseating operation and stroke. Different valve constructions
during the initial stroke stage, the valve could show torque curves quite different
To Open
% required torque is supplied by the actua- from the above described curves, but
To Close tor through the nominal torque. the actuator torque values and the
150 In some cases the initial stroke stage related action times do not differ
requires all available actuator torque; substantially from these curves.
in this case a by-pass of the torque The motor nominal power is a
limiter is required and the actuator can condition corresponding to the running
100
then deliver the maximum torque. torque of the actuator.

40 Base version Fig. 3

FROM CONTROL ROOM FIELD

CL OP
MOTOR AND
THERMOSTATIC
Fig. 1 Gate valve SWITCH
MAN
CONTROL ROOM

To Open
%
To Close
150

100
AUXILIARY
SWITCHES AND
POSITION
TRANSMITTER
40

TORQUE POSITION
CONTROL, END STROKE
SIGNALLING, MECHANICAL
CL OP POSITION TRANSMITTER

Fig. 2 Globe valve

The “Base” construction is the typical All the electrical contactors and control
These types of valves normally use the solution for motor operated valves when connections are in the control room, the
torque limitation for closing and the they are to be controlled from a control actuator is then wired directly from site
position control for opening. For some room. The actuator contains only the to the control room. This results in a low
types of valves closing position is limit and torque switches: the control actuator cost and a higher installation
achieved by position control. signal and indication systems are cost.
The seating torque is a function of valve located in a remote site (i.e. control Control and signalling could be repeated
construction and of the maximum room), see Fig. 3. locally through an additional pushbutton
differential pressure acting on the valve. Generally the operation is performed station with local or remote control
The actuator torque limiting device with 3 push-buttons (Open, Stop, Close) buttons, lights, selectors.
has the task to stop the actuator, and to and the signalling is given by two lights.
allow the actuator to produce a
predetermined amount of torque to
adequately seat the valve.

Contents may change without notice F Copyright by BIFFI Italia. All rights reserved. BIFFC-0021-EN9602 1
BIFFI is a subsidiary of Keystone International, Inc.
 Multiturn Electric Actuator “C” Series, Base Version
models 05C to 16C

Control group: working principles and technical

characteristics

General Mechanical position indicator indication of the valve stroke, the dial is
Torque control system The mechanical indicator gives the local split in two parts so that every angular
The torque control device permits to continuous indication of the valve variation of the indication zone
operate the valve with the precise position. It is formed by a sealed corresponds to the position. Due to its
torque setting and also prevents any window containing a dial bearing the construction, the dial indicator is
structural damage to the valve. indication of open/closed. As the dial is suitable for any valve type or reducer
The output torque of the actuator is moved by the control group, there is a coupled to the actuator, as well as for
adjustable both in opening and in positive connection between valve stem any valve function (On-Off, control,
closing between 25% and 100% of the and indicator. To get a precise modulating etc.).
nominal torque value. This is effected by
means of the torque control dial on
which the torque setting value can
MOTOR
clearly be read. The torque setting
mechanism is directly proportional to the
output torque of the actuator. Torque WORMWHEEL
applied to the actuator wormwheel is
axially transmitted to the wormshaft
which gives movement mS (see Fig. 4).
WORMSHAFT
The wormshaft is counteracted by the
calibrated torque control spring. S
This movement mS causes the shaft of RACK
the torque control mechanism to give
rotation mα, via a rack pinion. This TORQUE CONTROL SPRING
rotation operates the mechanism which
“trips” the appropriate opening or SHAFT OF TORQUE CONTROL MECHANISM
closing torque control switch (OT/P or
CT/P). When the predetermined torque SWITCHES CT/P AND OT/P
setting is reached these switches cut-off
the power supply to the motor.
α
Position control system
The actuator is equipped with a position Fig. 4 Torque control system
control system which enables the
actuator to be stopped automatically at
the end of the valve stroke. Features approximately 1.4 to 2 times the
The mechanism is driven directly by the nominal torque;
drive sleeve, through a universal gear Standard - action of the torque limiting device
reduction unit (see Fig. 5). The electrical control group performs the irreversible at the ends of the stroke:
following functions: this prevents repeated startings of the
- stopping of the actuator when the motor in presence of a permanent
MECHANICAL POSITION INDICATOR valve has reached the end of the remote signal after the tripping of
stroke; torque device.
AUXILIARY SWITCHES - control of the torque along the stroke
in opening and closing direction; Optional
POTENTIOMETER
- stopping of the actuator when the set - Continuous remote signal of the valve
value of the output torque is reached; position obtained through the position
- electrical local or remote signal of the transmitter;
end valve position; - electrical signal of intermediate valve
TORQUE/POSITION AND
- continuous local mechanical signal of position obtained through the auxiliary
END STROKE SWITCHES
the valve position by a mechanical switches;
SHAFT OF POSITION CONTROL MECHANISM position indicator; - antipumping device all along the stroke:
POSITION CONTROL GEAR TRAIN - torque by-pass: the torque limiting this prevents the motor from being
TRANSMISSION SHAFT device is mechanically eliminated in re-energized after a torque switch
ACTUATOR HOLLOW SHAFT the initial sections of the opening and tripping until the control signal, open or
closing stroke, allowing the actuator close as appropriate, has been
to deliver its maximum torque, which is removed.
Fig. 5 Position control system

Contents may change without notice F Copyright by BIFFI Italia. All rights reserved. BIFFC-0021-EN9602 2
BIFFI is a subsidiary of Keystone International, Inc.
 Multiturn Electric Actuator “C” Series, Base Version
models 05C to 16C

1
10

3 11

4
12

5 13

6 14

15
7

8
16

17

18

Contents may change without notice F Copyright by BIFFI Italia. All rights reserved. BIFFC-0021-EN9602 3
BIFFI is a subsidiary of Keystone International, Inc.
 Multiturn Electric Actuator “C” Series, Base Version
models 05C to 16C

Materials of construction
Item Part name Material Equivalent to U.S. standards
1 Hand/Auto lever group
2 Hollow shaft group
3 Worm wheel Aluminium-Bronze ASTM B148-92 Alloy C95400
4 Fork device group
5 Worm gear group
6 Motor pinion Alloy steel AISI SAE 9840
7 Gear Alloy steel AISI SAE 9840
8 Electric motor
9 Handwheel Carbon steel AISI SAE 1040
10 Torque transmission group
11 Position transmission group
12 Control group
13 Position control gear train
14 Control group cover
15 Dial indicator group
16 Terminal board group
17 Thrust block Cast ductile iron ASTM A536-84 gr 60-40-18
18 Stem nut Aluminium-Bronze ASTM B148-92 Alloy C95400

Spare parts kit

Commissioning Two years operation
Model Code Model Code
05C SPC005/001 05C SPC005/002
1C SPC010/001 1C SPC010/002
2C SPC020/001 2C SPC020/002
4C SPC040/001 4C SPC040/002
8C SPC080/001 8C SPC080/002
16C SPC160/001 16C SPC160/002

Contents may change without notice F Copyright by BIFFI Italia. All rights reserved. BIFFC-0021-EN9602 4
BIFFI is a subsidiary of Keystone International, Inc.
 Scotch Yoke Mechanism Actuators
insert bushes with unmachined bore for models 0.3-6 (table SCN 6362)

Construction principles
Reduction box
The design has ample safety margins,
materials are of the highest quality,
construction is tightly checked: the
result is an absolute guarantee of
performance in any adverse environment
condition.
Total reduction is obtained through two
gear stages, oil lubricated and sealed in
a light alloy case.
The first stage, directly coupled to the
motor shaft, is a single set of cylindrical
helicoidal gears. The second stage is a
worm screw/worm wheel that is directly
engaged to the valve stem.

Motor
The standard motor is three-phase or
single-phase asynchronous, squirrel Manual operation
Overheating may be the result if the
cage, induction-type, designed for The actuator can be controlled locally
motor service is greater than the rated
actuator service: it is bi-directional, with when electric power is missing.
duty, if one phase is missing, or if there
a low inertia balanced rotor, having The device is only composed of a
was a substantial ambient temperature
sealed ball bearings permanently handwheel and an engagement lever.
increase.
lubricated. Construction is totally The handwheel directly drives the drive
The switch has a normally closed
sealed, watertight as standard or sleeve and the “hammer blow” feature
contact, which opens in the presence of
explosionproof and watertight, with remains available. In this way a safe and
overheating and automatically isolates
natural cooling insulation of F or H class, easy manual control is obtained; during
the motor circuit. The tripping point
according to requirements. the normal operation motor and
value is based on ambient temperature,
The standard motors are specifically secondary gears are disconnected from
actual service type and insulation class.
designed for On-Off service with S2-15 the motion-transmission: when the
The motor thus can be protected in any
minutes or S2-30 minutes duty, or for motor restarts the system is
operational condition.
inching service S4-25% max 200 automatically excluded with no shock to
starts/hour according to IEC 34-1. the handwheel.
Coupling blocks
The construction of these blocks The handwheel does not rotate when
The motors to be used on control or the electric motor is working, so that the
permits the actuation of any type of
modulating actuators are designed to system is completely safe for the
linear valve or associated reducer for
perform specifically as the application operators.
linear or quarter-turn valves.
requires. These motors are rated for an The lever can be padlocked in two
The design has taken into consideration
S9 duty with an operational number positions so that the desired operation
both the most common international
per hour determined as a function of the can be chosen (only electrical or only
specifications and the actuation
actual service conditions. The curve of manual), and maintained without the
necessities of special valves types.
the motor output characteristics is possibility of undesired operation.
On the same size range the blocks are
especially designed in consideration of The standard reduction ratios
completely interchangeable on the
the specific working conditions of the between handwheel turns and drive
actuator.
actuators. sleeve turns are:
All motors are equipped with a 05C, 1C, 2C, 4C and 8C : ratio 1:1
Flanges
thermostatic switch inserted in the 16C : ratio 25:1
Flanges are designed according to the
motor windings with fixed tripping point An alternative with side mounted
specifications ISO 5210. Nearly all
value. Its function is to protect the motor handwheel and different reduction ratios
valve couplings can be obtained with
from accidental overheating beyond the is also available, on request.
these flange types. When the valve
limits of the insulation, and to maintain a
flanging does not correspond to the ISO
low surface temperature as required in Mounting position
specifications, BIFFI can supply
hazardous areas. Due to its flexible design the actuator
intermediate conversion flanges.
can be mounted in any position with no
effect on the performance.

Contents may change without notice F Copyright by BIFFI Italia. All rights reserved. BIFFC-0021-EN9602 5
BIFFI is a subsidiary of Keystone International, Inc.
 Multiturn Electric Actuator “C” Series, Base Version
models 05C to 16C

Terminal block

Internal ground
connection

External ground
connection

Cable entries

Terminal block In the standard construction 3 cable Environment protection

The terminal block is located in a entries are present, one 11/2”, two 1”, all - Sealed construction
separate and sealed enclosure to threaded Rc ISO 7/1 female as specified The actuator housing is built with
prevent any moisture and dust on the overall dimensions drawings. protection degree IP 68, according to
entering the control circuits during On request other threaded types can be the IEC recommendations, publication

C-WP/BA-E
wiring-up on site. This is used for the supplied: 529, and certified by the Italian Lab
connection both of power and control - NPT threaded (one 11/2”+ two 1”) CESI.
cables coming from the control room. - Metric threaded (one M40 + two M32) IP 68 means total protection of the
All terminations of electrical components - Pg threaded (one Pg29 + two Pg21) under tension parts and moving parts
of the control scheme are connected to inside the housing, against dust and
the terminal block. All terminals and Ground connections immersion in water under defined
cables are numbered to make wiring, Two connection points are available: depth (15 m) and for a limited period of
mounting and inspection procedures one is located inside the terminal board time (90 h).
easy. enclosure, and one is externally located.
The numbers, coordinated with the ones Both connections are obtained through - Sealed and explosion-proof
on the electrical schematic which is stud screws and brass nuts, according construction
always enclosed in the actuator, are to the most common standards. They The electrical enclosures are
stamped on the terminal block. are clearly identifiable by a suitable tag. manufactured by BIFFI and certified
The power terminals are sized to the by the Italian Lab CESI, according to
motor nominal power. Ambient temperature the European Norms (CENELEC)
The control terminals are standard and There are 3 actuator alternatives EN 50.014 and EN 50.018 for
will accept cables with a maximum available, each one suitable for the application in hazardous areas with
section of 4 mm2. typical operation environment: degree EEx-d IIB T5; EEx-d IIC T5;
Publisì/Grafiche Cesina/3.000/06.95

All cable entries are located on the - standard : -30°C to +65°C special version on request.
terminal block housing: a new patented
design allows to rotate it 90° by 90° in On request: - Certification according to the most
order to easily connect the external - low temperature: -60°C to +65°C important international standards,
conduits or cables, independently from - high temperature: up to +85°C such as:
the mounting position of the actuator.
Special care has been taken in the NEC: for hazardous locations
Cable entries appropriate selection of materials, Class I, Division 1, Groups C and D
They are necessary for the passage of gaskets, lubricants, cables and optional Class II/III, Division 1, Groups E, F
power and control cables to be components for each environmental and G with FM approval
connected to the terminal board. These condition.
entries also give the possibility of fitting CSA: for hazardous locations
sealed or explosionproof cable glands. Class I, Groups C and D
Class II, Groups E and F
Class III

6 F Copyright by BIFFI Italia. All rights reserved. BIFFC-0021-EN9602 Contents may change without notice
BIFFI is a subsidiary of Keystone International, Inc.